Ward 2 Councilor Wendy Lattof has named Welch School PTO President Nina Abreu as the recipient of the first Ward 2 Kindness Award, recognizing her exceptional dedication to the Welch School community and her ongoing support of local families.
Lattof said her intention behind creating this award was to “highlight the positivity that was happening and recognize… the people who quietly hold the community together.”
“So much of what makes Peabody strong is not something that’s happening in a meeting, but it’s happening in the schools, in the neighborhood, and behind the scenes, so I just wanted to really highlight those people,” Lattof said.
Abreu was nominated by residents for her tireless behind-the-scenes work organizing events, leading fundraisers, and creating inclusive experiences for students and families. Her efforts have supported initiatives such as VIP dances, Boo Bash, field trips, turkey baskets, calendars, and Breakfast with Santa, helping bring joy and connection to families across Peabody.
Abreu said it was quite a shock, and an absolute honor, to win the first Ward 2 Kindness Award.
“I’d be lying if I said I didn’t get emotional. I got emotional when they told me about (the award) because this work does come from my heart,” Abreu said. “I’m doing it because I genuinely care about all 400 students… I’m grateful that I’m a part of something that’s bigger than me, and I’m making a difference.”
She said receiving this award is validation that she’s positively impacting the students at the Welch School, and she said it’s motivated her to keep going. Abreu first joined the Welch School PTO when her son Victor was in kindergarten, and he’s now in fourth grade; her daughter Leilani is now in kindergarten.
Abreu mentioned that her work with the Welch School is all about the little things. Yes, she has been instrumental in the routine PTO responsibilities, but she has also prioritized small moments of joy for the students. For example, Abreu helped Welch School families in need get turkeys and pre-made meals for Thanksgiving, wrapped erasers with kind messages on them for each student to have on their 100th day of school, and ensured Pi Day wouldn’t be celebrated without 400 mini pies so each student can have their own pie for Pi Day.
Welch School Principal Michelle Massa said the school is “incredibly proud” to celebrate Abreu as the Ward 2 Kindness Award recipient.
“Her leadership is rooted in genuine compassion and tireless dedication to our students, families, and staff,” Massa said. “Through her kindness, generosity, and unwavering commitment, she consistently seeks out creative, fun activities and leads impactful fundraising efforts that directly enhance opportunities for our students and school community. This recognition is a true reflection of the positive impact she has on our school each and every day.”
The Ward 2 Kindness Award is a monthly recognition program honoring people whose everyday actions strengthen the community. Recipients are selected by a group of five Ward 2 residents, who reside within all three precincts, from nominations submitted by the public. Award recipients receive a mug from Pudgy’s Place, a sign from Create & Escape, and a gift card to a local business.
Nominations for the Ward 2 Kindness Award can be emailed by the 20th of each month to wendylattof@gmail.com. Nominations are open to children, teens, and adults, and may recognize any individual whose acts of kindness help enhance and strengthen the Ward 2 community in Peabody.
